Her name had been put in the spotlight thanks to the deeds of stable pin up horse Road To Summer, and Taree trainer Melissa Harrison is hoping that four year old gelding Liberty Park can head in the same direction, starting off by winning the Winning Edge Presentations Maiden Handicap (1215m) on Friday at Grafton.
The son of Bletchley Park made his debut on his home track on February 17, working home strongly to finish a close second to Bien Coupez. Harrison was rapt with the effort from the gelding.
“He was a little slow out to begin with, but he just motored up and finished very strongly”, she told Justhorseracing.
“He had been showing that he was no slouch as soon as he started running. He showed that in the trial and then on debut.”
“He has trained on really well since.”
The horse tended to race quite greenly throughout, but with that run under his belt, Harrison believes that will sharpen him right up for his Grafton assignment.
“He looked a little green at Taree and the 1000m didn’t suit at all,” The trainer said.
“I think going up in distance and with the experience under the belt, he should be right in the finish on Friday.”
“My only query is the heavy track, but you never know until you run them.”
Road To Summer took the trainer on a wonderful journey, winning five races on the bounce, including a win at Rosehill. He then subsequently failed behind Heart Testa, who has since won a Stakes race. Harrison says her favourite horse has come back in super order and is ready to go this prep. Only problem is where.
“Road To Summer has spelled fantastic and looks to have come back in great order,” She said to Justhorseracing.
“He had an exhibition gallop between races recently at Taree and looked very sharp so I couldn’t be happier with him.”
“I have nominated him for Muswellbrook on Tuesday, but 64kg looks too much, so I’ll probably trial him on Saturday at Tuncurry and we’ll just wait and see.”
